LG creates new robotics and autonomous vehicles, divisions

LG Electronics announced during its year-end restructuring that it will form two new divisions -- in robotics and autonomous vehicles -- which will be under the direct supervision of the CEO.

The South Korean tech giant said the divisions, called robot business center and autonomous vehicle business task, were formed to focus on strategically important sectors.

Previously, robotics was divided into various groups under the CTO: its home entertainment business, and material and production research groups, but the personnel for these two groups will now come under one roof.

LG showcased new robots earlier this year in CES and is developing a smart cart with a local supermarket chain.

The autonomous vehicle division will focus on mid-to-long-term investment and research, LG said.

The company will also form a North America R&D Centre that will focus on researching AI for the US and Canada.

Compatriot Samsung set-up its seventh AI research center in Montreal and is applying the technology in various areas, including medical imaging.

LG's TV boss will also be heading the firm's troubled mobile business. The firm's smartphone business has suffered seven consecutive quarters of operating losses, and there were rumors that the firm was planning to dismantle the division.